How to Check iPhone Lock Status Using the IMEI Number

Knowing the iPhone lock status saves you the pain of purchasing an iPhone that will not work in your country. The traditional approach involves testing various carrier sim cards in the iPhone and connecting it to the Internet or iTunes. Alternatively, IMEI.info website and iTools can be used instead to source the same information, using the iPhone IMEI number.

However, the use of sim interposers calls for caution when restoring to new IOS firmware. Upgrading to a firmware not supported by the sim interposers will invalidate the unlock status.

Unlocking the iPhone by use of IMEI number, on the other hand, gives a permanent unlock.

What is iPhone IMEI Number?

The iPhone IMEI number

How to Find Out IMEI Number :

IMEI stands for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity and is unique to every mobile phone, making it more or less the serial number. It helps identify one phone from another, and is also helpful in identifying its lock status.

Key in the above symbols and figures to get the iPhone IMEI number

How to Check iPhone Lock Status Using IMEI.info and iTools

Besides iTunes, you can use iTools and IMEI info to find out the lock status of your iPhone.

Then the sim lock status of the iPhone will be displayed. Of course, the lock status is promptly followed by offers to unlock it.

1: IMEI.info IMEI Checker

When you input your iPhone IMEI number onto the space provided, the site will begin by giving you all the info you need - except the iPhone lock status!

It will take a few seconds to a few minutes and you will be shown something similar to the image below: depending on your lock status of course.

To the lock status, click the Check Sim lock link and you will be directed to a payout page. You will only have to pay $1.5 to get this service. Payments can be made via PayPal.

2: iTools IMEI Checker

For those interested in alternative ways to transfer files between the iPhone and their computers, iTools is probably the best choice out there. It actually gives quite a pile of information including apps and media data.

iTools can also be used to check the iPhone lock status.

To use it, download and install it on the computer. Run it with the iPhone connected to the computer.

Click on the View Details tab and the first item at the top of the new window should just be enough to help identify the iPhone sim lock status. See the first line that reads as follows:

ActivationState: WilcardActivated

Apparently, an iPhone that reads WildcardActivated must have received an unlock, or 'sometimes' was unlocked via SAM.

Anything else, for example, Factory Activated should be a sign that your iPhone was hackctivated, hence not officially factory unlocked.

iTools activation status

Chances are very high that your iPhone is factory unlocked if ActivationState reads Activated.

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Alfred Amuno 5 years agofrom Kampala

Thanks Deborah. It is always great to read such feedback. Sorry I sometimes take long before responding.

The simlock status appears to be a little issue, but really is a big one for those that did not purchase their handsets from sanctioned stores. Many out there get theirs different ways.

Deborah 5 years agofrom Las Vegas

Amuno. the fact that it's unlocked is a big plus in my book! Great review and thanks for explaining these points to me. I really value your informative hubs on technology especially and share the info with my friends. Voted up!